Uniting Wimmera’s youth support services team highlighted the plight of an increasing number of homeless Wimmera youth during national Youth Homelessness Matters Day earlier this month.

On April 15 each year, the sausage sizzle event aimed to raise awareness of about 45,000 young people experiencing homelessness, with a focus on promoting solutions.

Wimmera team leader youth support Fred Albrecht said the issue was largely driven by family violence, broader housing instability, and mental health issues.

“Homelessness is defined by anybody in unstable housing, and it does tend to go unseen,” he said.

“It can be couch-surfing, or sleeping in cars, which is a big thing that we have with a lot of youth, which is less than ideal as we’re starting to get into the cooler months now.

“It’s not safe, they’re vulnerable being young.”

The number of homeless 16- and 17-year-olds has doubled in the Wimmera in the past financial year, representing 12 per cent of the young people Uniting supports.

Fifty per cent of people supported are 20- to 24-year-olds, 29 per cent are currently employed, 24 per cent are couples caring for their child, and five per cent are experiencing homelessness with their partner.

“Six per cent of people are attending secondary school – it was two per cent last financial year – and five percent are from the LGBTIQ+ community,” Mr Albrecht said.

“At Horsham, 13 per cent are single and caring for a child, while at Stawell, 19 per cent are single and caring for a child.”

Uniting offers a range of support programs for people from the age of 12, including reconciliation, finding housing, and education and employment.

They also offer mediation and coaching services.

For more information or to seek help, people can walk-in at Uniting Wimmera, 185 Baillie Street, Horsham, or call 1800 195 114.

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